ROXAS City ‚ÄĒ Residents of Capiz will be observing ‚ÄúEarth Day‚ÄĚ every April 22 of each year.

This was after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved Ordinance No. 007, series of 2012, which declares April 22 of every year as Earth Day in Capiz.

The measure was authored by Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President and ex-officio SP member Zoe Maria Felipe Herrera.

Through the ordinance, Capice√Īos will be reminded of their responsibilities to take care of Mother Earth amid the threat of global warming brought by the effects of solid waste generation, air and water pollution, mining and illegal logging, among others, Herrera said.

He added that Capice√Īos have witnessed the damage to properties and loss of lives caused by massive flooding and landslides due to the destruction of the environment, particularly the denudation of forests caused by illegal logging and mining activities.

The ordinance also heeds the call of President Benigno Aquino III for a public-private partnership for the protection and preservation of the environment, Herrera pointed out.

Under the ordinance, the Earth Day Celebration Committee will line up annual programs, projects and activities and will lead all provincial officials and employees, and civil society organizations in various activities related to environmental protection and preservation.

Herrera said the implementation of the Earth Day activities will be in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (Jemin Guillermo, PIA-6 Capiz/PN)